09/10/2024
Many thanks for the support of our customers on our pharmacy days of action this year to raise awareness of the issues facing community pharmacy. Thanks to those who signed petitions and have written to our local MP. This led to a visit from Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South and Labour front bencher, last Friday afternoon.
Fiona Kerry, Karen and Cliff Gaines, Directors of Whitfield’s Pharmacy, met with Bridget to discuss the issues of pharmacy funding, the role of community pharmacy and the strategic importance of pharmacy as a critical component of the NHS.
Fiona said, “We are delighted to have a politician of Bridget’s calibre take this issue seriously and recognise the importance of community pharmacy locally and nationally. Leveraging her support, we hope to continue delivering vital services long into the future.”
Karen added, “With ten pharmacies closing every week nationally, the government must take urgent action to make community pharmacy viable again. During the meeting, Bridget was empathetic, listening to our concerns and those of the community. In the future, we hope to see this support continue.”
Cliff concluded, “Community pharmacy is the gateway to the NHS. If properly funded, pharmacies could easily offer many more services.”
As ever, the Directors, and the entire community, are asking for support for community pharmacies, signing petitions, writing letters and making the campaign noticed.
